The leader of the Wagner mercenary group issued a blistering statement denouncing Russia’s defense leaders for “treason” and “destruction” on Tuesday — a particularly vociferous denunciation that came as Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the nation’s military strength amid a pared-down Victory Day celebration.
The holiday, among Russia’s most important, celebrates the Soviet victory over Nazi German in the Second World War — a fight Putin has often invoked to justify Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the Wagner head, claimed that his troops had “no ammunition” and that Russian troops were fleeing their positions in Ukraine. Blaming “those who give them orders and who set the tasks,” he said that “the fish rots from the head.” He declared that it was no time to celebrate: “Victory Day is the victory of our grandfathers. We don’t deserve this victory one millimeter.”
The Biden administration on Tuesday announced a $1.2 billion aid package aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s air defenses and sustaining its ammunition supply.
Here’s the latest on the war and its impact across the globe.
Nearly a year later, the situation at the facility — which is controlled by Russia but connected to Ukraine’s power grid — remains dire, with Russian authorities preparing to evacuate about 3,100 staff members from areas in and around the facility this week. Claire Parker and Erin Cunningham explain the significance of Zaporizhzhia’s power plant and what is at stake.
Missy Ryan, Kate Brady, Karen DeYoung, Robyn Dixon and Mary Ilyushina contributed to this report
Kelsey Ables
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